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Southend Airshow party as RAF turns 90
7:11am Monday 10th March 2008
AIRCRAFT covering the history of the Royal Air Force will take to the skies as part of the Southend Airshow.
The event, which tales place on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26, is one of the largest free airshows in Europe.
Displays by the RAF have been confirmed, which means the world famous display team, the Red Arrows, will be jetting through ahead of setting off on a month long tour of the USA and Canada.
The show will also celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the RAF and spectators will see aircraft covering "the whole history of the service" flying past.
Display director Dave Walton said: "Southend is the first major show of the RAF's anniversary year and we are delighted so many aircraft have been allocated to the event.
"We hope to demonstrate the aviation highlights of 90 years serving alongside the Royal Navy."
Throughout the weekend spectators on the seafront will be able to visit many trade stands set up by big name exhibitors, ranging from Honda to Waitrose.
Another popular feature, the meet the pilots area, will be back and Southend Council are again organising the show.
John Lamb, councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and regeneration, said: "The two day event attracts approximately three quarters of a million visitors to Southend.
"It generates more than £10 million for the local economy and sustains more than 50 jobs in the town.
"Since the annual show started more than 20 years ago it has attracted over ten million visitors to the town."
Once again Southend's seafront casino, now named Maxims, will be sponsoring the show.
The casino's public relations manager, John Harland, said: "The airshow is a massive community event and one we are proud to be involved with.
"We are delighted once again to be supporting such a prestigious event which has such a benefit to the town."
Your Say YourEcho
jack, billericay says...
10:26am Mon 10 Mar 08
Dan, North Leigh says...
10:43am Mon 10 Mar 08
David wrote:I fail to see what the problem is. A few non-crucial roads are closed and there's a bit of parking trouble for a couple of days, there's a few noisy planes overhead and thousands of people have a reasonable, free day out. What 'danger' are you talking about? Scared a plane is going to land on your house? You've got far more chance of falling over in the shower and breaking your neck.
Yawn, yawn! The real news story would be if we did not have to suffer this disruption and danger each and every year. "A massive community event". Hardly, it is an event where massive disruption is caused for days before and days after the event, where danger is created and where those that visit are subjected to sales and propaganda by sponsors and the like.
Seriously, if you have a problem with a big free event taking place in the town, why nit make use of the Bank Holiday and have a nice weekend away somewhere boring, Norfolk perhaps?
David, Southend-on-Sea says...
10:54am Mon 10 Mar 08
Dan wrote:Dan, the same thing happened last year when I dared to voice my opinion. I was told to visit elsewhere on more than one occasion.
David wrote: Yawn, yawn! The real news story would be if we did not have to suffer this disruption and danger each and every year. "A massive community event". Hardly, it is an event where massive disruption is caused for days before and days after the event, where danger is created and where those that visit are subjected to sales and propaganda by sponsors and the like.I fail to see what the problem is. A few non-crucial roads are closed and there's a bit of parking trouble for a couple of days, there's a few noisy planes overhead and thousands of people have a reasonable, free day out. What 'danger' are you talking about? Scared a plane is going to land on your house? You've got far more chance of falling over in the shower and breaking your neck. Seriously, if you have a problem with a big free event taking place in the town, why nit make use of the Bank Holiday and have a nice weekend away somewhere boring, Norfolk perhaps?
Why should I?
Why cannot I enjoy a peaceful weekend where I live and not have to travel away, that is all I ask?
The thing that gets me is that we have to suffer this every year. I might even tolerate every now and again but every year.
Rach, says...
11:09am Mon 10 Mar 08
Bozo, Westcliff says...
11:22am Mon 10 Mar 08
Is anyone on here going to tell me to clear off for the weekend just because I cant stand the noise and the hassle of parking outside my own place.
Parking is at a premium in most roads near the front so I dont see why we as residents have to suffer this every year, and also having some roads blocked.
Dan, North Leigh says...
11:45am Mon 10 Mar 08
Bozo wrote:If they're visiting for the weekend then as long as they turn up by Saturday night they'll have a parking place :)
I live in Westcliff so naturally when this bl00dy air show is on all hell breaks loose regarding parking. If friends want to visit me over the weekend it's tough luck cos there is no car parking to be had anywhere. Is anyone on here going to tell me to clear off for the weekend just because I cant stand the noise and the hassle of parking outside my own place. Parking is at a premium in most roads near the front so I dont see why we as residents have to suffer this every year, and also having some roads blocked.
Stupid Spud, Thorpe Bay says...
1:40pm Mon 10 Mar 08
It brings in more people than any other event the town holds and thats what Southend needs people visiting.
You have at cater for all tates The Airshow for airplane fans. the vintage cars for car fans there is prise in the park for the religous people so whats you problem with a two day event that brings in more money than any other thing in Southend.
Paul, Basildon says...
2:42pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Francis Grubb, Westcliff says...
3:00pm Mon 10 Mar 08
jack wrote:Ha ha ha, - sounds like you've been spun a good one there, Jack!
I heard that the RAF had been banned from taking part for fear of upsetting people who oppose the wars in iraq and afghanistan?
Looks like the RAF will be here this year, as always.
Frank
Stupid Spud, Thorpe Bay says...
10:55pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Tutor
Tucano
Hawk
BBMF S, L, H
RAF Falcons
Red Arrows
Typhoon
There is no solo displays by the Harrier or Tornado again this year
Civilan acts
Team Guinot
The Blades
Historic
Catalina
Hunter
Royal Navy
Black cats
Merlin
more to be added soon
Lisa, W-O-S says...
10:59pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Stupid Spud, Thorpe Bay says...
11:41pm Mon 10 Mar 08
It was the Hawk doing a mini display for the press launch of the airshow.
David, Southend-on-Sea says...
2:45pm Tue 11 Mar 08
Stupid Spud wrote:How dare you call me what you do.
It was looking to drop a bomb or two on David and the other boring old farts! It was the Hawk doing a mini display for the press launch of the airshow.
It just shows that you have no idea and a total inability to express yourself in the correct way.
I am entitled to my opinion - that is what these pages are for. You are free to disagree but there is no need for your comments.
By the way you appear to be well named. I take it you chose the name yourself.
jobrian, Essex says...
10:04pm Tue 11 Mar 08
I love the airshow and live in Westcliff... sa bring it on lol
munchaferberger, ?????? says...
3:16pm Wed 12 Mar 08
David wrote:Do you two want a room?
Stupid Spud wrote: It was looking to drop a bomb or two on David and the other boring old farts! It was the Hawk doing a mini display for the press launch of the airshow.How dare you call me what you do. It just shows that you have no idea and a total inability to express yourself in the correct way. I am entitled to my opinion - that is what these pages are for. You are free to disagree but there is no need for your comments. By the way you appear to be well named. I take it you chose the name yourself.
Stupid Spud, Thorpe Bay says...
11:15pm Wed 12 Mar 08
munchaferberger wrote:Ohhh yes please!
David wrote:Do you two want a room?Stupid Spud wrote: It was looking to drop a bomb or two on David and the other boring old farts! It was the Hawk doing a mini display for the press launch of the airshow.How dare you call me what you do. It just shows that you have no idea and a total inability to express yourself in the correct way. I am entitled to my opinion - that is what these pages are for. You are free to disagree but there is no need for your comments. By the way you appear to be well named. I take it you chose the name yourself.
Hugs and kisses and a big cuddle!
APR, Benfleet says...
10:05am Sat 15 Mar 08
Lisa wrote:They do this every year as a curtain raiser and promo for the airshow.
I was in SOuthend High Street shopping last Thursday, when all of a sudden some kind of jet went roaring past - I came out of the shop I was in and it was flying backwards and forwards (about 3 times in all) along the seafront - anyone know why this was????
It's a shame that the airshow has become a shadow of what it used to be. The RAFs contribution is also now only a fraction of what it used to be, possibly due to operational requirements in war zones ?
Going back as far as the 1920's and beyond, Southend and Essex in general, was at the forefront of the flying revolution, with many airshows being held in the area.
Before the demise of the Mildenhall Air Fetes, many aircraft used to fly from there down to Southend, including what many consider the premier aerobatic team, The Frecci Tricolori, plus the odd contribution from the USAF.
A number of airshows across the country have been cancelled this year, and some will now only be held every other year.
knight1, romford says...
3:11pm Sun 16 Mar 08
I am just going to say that I am in full support of stupid spud I spent my childhood in southend and the Airshow is absolutely great for Southend I go to this show each year it generates lots of revenue for the economy and visitors do return year after year I invited some friends from yorkshire 4 years ago and they have been coming to the airshow ever since and they will continue to do so they love southend.
So the whingers can stop their bleating and get on with their life and good luck stupid spud. ( I love that name it made me chuckle)!!!
APR, Benfleet says...
6:03pm Tue 1 Apr 08
The Red Arrows will be based at the airport for the weekend of the airshow, prior to flying off for their US tour.
Plus two Typhoons at the airport
caz, says...
10:03am Mon 14 Apr 08
APR, Benfleet says...
7:25pm Tue 15 Apr 08
tophatdt, Eastwood says...
11:21am Tue 22 Apr 08
David, Southend-on-Sea says...
11:53am Wed 21 May 08
As I have said on countless occasions and to put a lie to many contributors comments this does not just affect us for two days it is a whole week and enough is enough.
Please, please, please no more air shows.
steve, saafend says...
12:08pm Wed 21 May 08
David wrote:sit down shut up!
There you go already the air show is a pain in the neck and causing traffic congestion. It is only the Wednesday before the event and the seafront is being messed up with many delays being caused while set up begins. Goodness knows it will only get worse. Aaaggghh!!! As I have said on countless occasions and to put a lie to many contributors comments this does not just affect us for two days it is a whole week and enough is enough. Please, please, please no more air shows.
David, Southend-on-Sea says...
3:19pm Wed 21 May 08
steve wrote:Steve, you appear to be another person with an amazing command of the English language!!!
David wrote: There you go already the air show is a pain in the neck and causing traffic congestion. It is only the Wednesday before the event and the seafront is being messed up with many delays being caused while set up begins. Goodness knows it will only get worse. Aaaggghh!!! As I have said on countless occasions and to put a lie to many contributors comments this does not just affect us for two days it is a whole week and enough is enough. Please, please, please no more air shows.sit down shut up!
Steve, we are all entitled to our opinion: that is one of the reasons for these web site comments boards.
If you do not agree with me that is fine but there is no need for your comments and others I read on the Echo web sites.
Lesley, says...
9:02am Thu 22 May 08
I love the thrill of the noise of the jets as they go overhead and my son, as a member of the Air Training Corp (Air Cadets) has a brilliant time helping out at Southend Airport over the bank holiday weekend.
I'd be sorry if it didn't happen.
Paul (An airshow fan), Southend says...
10:47am Sat 24 May 08
David wrote:What traffic congestion, I drive along the seafront every day during "rush hour", the only drivers who are inconvenienced in any way by the airshow preparations are the impatient idiots who would normally overtake at 40+MPH.
There you go already the air show is a pain in the neck and causing traffic congestion. It is only the Wednesday before the event and the seafront is being messed up with many delays being caused while set up begins. Goodness knows it will only get worse. Aaaggghh!!! As I have said on countless occasions and to put a lie to many contributors comments this does not just affect us for two days it is a whole week and enough is enough. Please, please, please no more air shows.
mchale, eastwood says...
10:13am Tue 27 May 08
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David, Southend-on-Sea says...
10:02am Mon 10 Mar 08
The real news story would be if we did not have to suffer this disruption and danger each and every year.
"A massive community event". Hardly, it is an event where massive disruption is caused for days before and days after the event, where danger is created and where those that visit are subjected to sales and propaganda by sponsors and the like.